I would like to some day open a soup kitchen for the homeless?

Question

Has anyone out there done it and could you give me suggestions and ideas about how to go about it. does the government help with funding and what kind of hoops do I have to jump thru to get their support?

Answer 1

BIG hoops, plus all the health care regulations that come along with serving food. Here's what I'd recommend - volunteer with an existing soup kitchen or the Salvation Army and 'learn the ropes.' That's the best experience you can get. Government funding is so lean right now that it's hard to get a grant when you have no experience, so having practical experience with help you alot. You might also want to look into private funding (like a group of churches) so you don't have to deal with the bureaucracy. Good luck! We need people like you :-)

Answer 2

Here is something you must consider:

In order to help others in need, you must first prepare yourself so that your own needs are met. That means, you will need a sufficient income to supply yourself and your future family with their necessities. Now, realizing many people today are working hard to make ends meet, this will not be an easy task.

At the same time, like previous responder said, the best way to learn how to do such thing is to volunteer at existing places. You could look for local church, red cross, homeless shelters, etc. Work for them and find out what is involved. I am sure, it is not just serving food (which alone is a huge task). There are many things you must also take into considerations, such as violence, security, safety, disese, and so on. Not only do you have to serve food, you must do so in safe way.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I have worked two Sundays a month at the Los Angles Mission for almost thirty years now and, they serve multiple meals on a daily basis.

The best way to learn is by doing ~~~ volunteering will teach you all you need to know, not only about the logistics but also about yourself.

Good Luck and God bless you.